Black Caps legend and former bowling coach Shane Bond is a high profile target for England, ahead of this summer's Ashes series - according to reports in the UK.

Black Caps bowling coach Shane Bond

Source: Photosport

With England's current bowling coach, West Indian Otis Gibson, to take over as head coach of South Africa, the Telegraph claim that Bond is the ECB's first choice to take over the job going into November's five-Test series in Australia.

Bond, 42, tormented Australia as a player, with England looking to capitalise on his experience that saw him claim 44 wickets at an average of 15.79 in trans-Tasman ODI clashes.

The former Kiwi spearhead is currently on tour as head coach of the New Zealand 'A' side, currently away in India - with two four-day first class matches and five 50 over games scheduled.

Bond's role as a bowling coach is exemplary, having worked with Black Caps coach Mike Hesson as he saw New Zealand revolutionise limited-overs cricket under Brendon McCullum's captaincy during the 2015 World Cup.

He also worked as bowling coach of the Mumbai Indians IPL side, as they claimed world cricket's premier Twenty20 tournament this year.